McKee Man, 80, Inducted Into Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame

Gene Decker (left) of McKee was inducted into the Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 10, in Evansville, Indiana. Decker was joined by his wife, Jeanie (second from left) and daughters Cheryl Ann Moyer and Sharon Decker when he received a citation from State Rep. Jim Gregory on Jan. 14 in Hollidaysburg.

Gene Decker, 80 years young, of McKee, was inducted into the Semi Pro Baseball Hall of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. in Evansville, Indiana.

Decker said he was playing baseball since he was out of diapers. He played in 1949 for Bill Klevans' clothing store in Roaring Spring.

According to Decker, Klevans and teacher Max Baker told him that he was not allowed to pitch because he threw too hard and players could not hit the ball. Instead Decker was made to catch.

Decker said he did not play in high school.

In 1957, Decker joined the Navy and was sent to Japan and all over the South Pacific...